He is a renowned American psychiatrist, brain disorder specialist, researcher, and author. He has always been fascinated by how the human brain works and the factors that influence human behavior. This passion spurred him to dive much deeper into neuroscience. Losangeleska shares more about his life, achievements, and books.
Daniel Amen’s Early Life and Education
Daniel Gregory Amen was born on July 19, 1954, in Encino, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. He then attended the University of Maryland Global Campus, a public university in Adelphi, from 1974 to 1975. After that, he enrolled at Orange Coast College, a public community college in Costa Mesa, where he earned an associate degree in 1976.
His journey of education and self-improvement didn’t stop there. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1978 from Southern California College (now Vanguard University, a private Protestant university in Costa Mesa, California), after which he earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree in 1982 from the Oral Roberts University School of Medicine, a private evangelical university.
Daniel Amen completed his general psychiatric training at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. This is one of the most prestigious military medical institutions in the U.S., where training involves a deep dive into clinical practice and addressing the wide spectrum of mental disorders faced by military personnel.
Amen’s professional expertise further expanded with child and adolescent psychiatric training at Tripler Army Medical Center. He worked with young patients, applying specialized approaches and knowledge. In 1988, he received lifetime certification in psychiatry from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, allowing him to practice as a psychiatrist.
Amen has researched traumatic brain injuries in professional athletes. He also consulted for the National Football League (NFL) on problems arising from concussions.
Daniel Amen provided the initial diagnosis of brain damage for NFL player Tom Dempsey. He also provided diagnostics and therapy for hockey player Paul Kariya.
Major Achievements
- Founder and CEO of Amen Clinics. He created a network of clinics where patients can receive comprehensive diagnostics and treatment for mental disorders based on their individual needs.
- Founder of the Change Your Brain Foundation. This foundation’s main goal is to promote brain-related scientific research and develop new treatments for mental disorders.
- Founder of BrainMD, a nutraceutical company that produces brain health supplements based on Amen’s scientific research.
- Founder of Amen University in 2011, which offers science-based, clinically tested digital courses to optimize your brain function and mental well-being.
- Named one of the Top 100 Science Stories of 2015 by Discover magazine. This recognition was for Amen’s research on post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries.
- Together with Pastor Rick Warren and Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Amen created “The Daniel Plan,” a wellness program aimed at improving health worldwide through religious organizations. The program was implemented in churches, mosques, and synagogues. In 2015, “The Daniel Plan” book was released and won the “Christian Book of the Year” award.
- By 2013, Daniel Amen had become a 12-time New York Times bestselling author, with titles like “The Daniel Plan,” “Change Your Brain, Change Your Body,” and “Change Your Brain Every Day.” He has authored or co-authored over 80 professional articles and more than 40 books.
Use of SPECT Imaging
Daniel Amen built a profitable business by using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging for diagnostic purposes. This approach has been criticized by scientists and doctors for a lack of scientific validity and for being unethical.
Amen’s practices involve using brain activity scans in an attempt to compare a person’s brain activity to a known healthy model. In 2019, Amen stated that his clinic network had scanned 50,000 people. In 2020, an initial SPECT scan at one of Amen’s clinics cost $4,000.
Daniel Amen’s Clinics
Amen Clinics, Inc. is considered a world leader in the application of brain imaging science. Daniel Amen’s clinics help people struggling with:
- Emotional issues: anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder;
- Behavioral issues. This includes various types of addiction, weight control, and anger management problems;
- Cognitive issues. This category includes Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and memory problems;
- Learning challenges. For example, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
The clinic’s specialists believe that brain health is the foundation of overall health, well-being, and success. They note this interdependence: when the brain is healthy, a person is happier, more successful, and makes better decisions. If the brain is unhealthy for any reason, the person becomes sadder, sicker, and poorer.
Amen’s clinics differ from traditional psychiatry in that specialists use SPECT brain scans to measure blood flow and activity in the brain. Comprehensive evaluations include lab tests, clinical assessments, and a patient’s personal history as needed. This approach allows for a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan. Research indicates that approximately 85% of patients report a better quality of life after treatment at Amen’s clinics.
The primary medical practice is the Amen Clinics Los Angeles Metro Area (5363 Balboa Blvd., Suite 100 Encino, CA). The facility provides psychiatric and brain health care to the greater Los Angeles area. It is one of two centers located in Southern California. Residents of Central California and beyond can receive psychiatric care and neuroimaging here.
Personal Life
Dr. Amen is married. In 2021, the couple celebrated 15 years since they met and began their journey together. His wife, Tana, is a nurse and author. She runs a blog dedicated to mental and physical health. The couple has six children and five grandchildren.
Daniel Amen’s main hobby is table tennis.
In late 2023, prominent psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen purchased a luxury Newport Harbor compound featuring an infinity pool and a separate guesthouse. He paid $27 million for the bayfront mansion in Newport Beach, California. The compound is located not far from the Costa Mesa headquarters of his clinic empire.
The Tuscan-style home reportedly spans nearly 9,500 square feet. Its construction was completed in 2006, and the previous owners were Fletcher “Ted” Jones Jr., owner of the world’s largest Mercedes-Benz dealership company, and his second wife, Kimberly.
The story of Daniel Amen, M.D., is as inspiring as his achievements. He has been called “the most popular psychiatrist in America,” boasting millions of social media followers and multiple New York Times bestselling books. Amen’s clinics demonstrate that it is entirely possible to change your brain and your life—it’s just important to seek help in a timely manner.
